Drawing attention to the impact of the possible Istanbul earthquake, which came to the agenda after the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that stifled our country, Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Firdevs Seyfe Şen gives advice to deal with earthquake anxiety.
Recommending that the person should focus on the precautions to be taken first and ensure their control, Şen emphasizes that the person should not be stuck on the points that he cannot control for a long time. According to Şen, it is important for a person to engage in activities that are good for him to relax, to stay positive, and to take time to develop psychological resilience.
Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Psychiatrist Dr. Firdevs Seyfe Şen made an assessment about the anxiety and coping methods that emerged due to the possible Istanbul earthquake.
Possible Istanbul earthquake is brought to the agenda
Stating that after the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023 and affected 11 provinces, the possible Istanbul earthquake was constantly mentioned in the media, Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Firdevs Seyfe Şen said that everyone is very concerned about this issue. Noting that people will feel a sense of guilt after trauma, Psychiatrist Dr. Firdevs Seyfe Şen said, “The best thing for those who cannot move from Istanbul to another city is whatever they can. The house where you live and the area you live in should be seriously evaluated. In order to learn about the safety of the house, it should be tried to get a report from the relevant places.” said.
Exercise should be done at home
Expressing that it is important to practice in earthquake preparedness, Psychiatrist Dr. Firdevs Seyfe Şen said, “It is very difficult to do something that is not in the routine during trauma. At this point, drills should be done at home from time to time. Preparing an earthquake kit and discovering meeting places for earthquakes are things that can make one feel good, at least partially.” gave advice.
Engage in good future activities
Psychiatrist Dr., who made suggestions to deal with earthquake anxiety. Firdevs Seyfe Şen said, “The most important thing that can help a person cope with anxiety is positive psychology. By nature, human beings are constantly dealing with what they cannot do, what they cannot live with, what they cannot achieve. However, in such periods, this will not contribute anything, it will cause more anxiety and increase stress. Therefore, when such distress or fear comes to mind, one should control what he can do for himself and should not be stuck with what he cannot control for a long time. In daily life, it will be beneficial for the person to engage in activities that are good for him as much as possible.” said.
Time should be devoted to developing psychological resilience
Expressing that sometimes anxiety can be quite tiring and cause an excessive workaholic state, Psychiatrist Dr. Firdevs Seyfe Şen said, “If something different from usual is being done, one should stop and ask what is going on. In order to cope with intense stress, it is very important for a person to realize himself and develop his awareness. Time should be taken to stay positive and develop resilience. These actions will reduce anxiety and fear, but will not completely eliminate them. After all, fear is a factor that pushes people to be ready for danger, it is important if it is not too much.” he said.
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
